Obituary of Lawrence Smiley

Lawrence Leslie Smiley

January 21, 1926 - March 17, 2018

Lawrence was born on the family farm at the foot of Akasu Hill north of Lavoy, Alberta. He lived there most of his life.  He married Cora (Shalen) on Feb. 18, 1950.  Their world revolved around their family, the farm and the school bus they operated in the Lavoy area.  Lawrence was an active member of the Lavoy Baptist Church, the local United Grain Grower's Board, the Lavoy Rural Electrification Association, United Farmers of Alberta, Farm Forum, the Lavoy Cemetery Board and the Lavoy Senior's group.  He enjoyed Sunday drives, RV camping and fishing.  Driving was an important part of his life.  He was hauling gravel commercially when he was 14 since so many of the older men were serving in the armed forces.  He continued to drive for the rest of his life and had just had his drivers' license renewed before his last birthday.  For the last 4 years he lived at the Homestead Lodge in Vegreville.  He was predeceased by his wife Cora  in 2015, shortly after they celebrated their 65th anniversary. 

Lawrence went quietly home to be with his Lord on March 17th.  He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.  He is survived by:  his children Ardythe (Bryan) Butler, Kevin (Mary-Ellen) Smiley, and Darolyn (Norman) Black ; his grandchildren Candice (Timothy Fath) Smiley, Yuri (Joanna Sleight) Butler, Scott (Anna) Smiley, Alyssa Butler, Colton Black, Tanner Black and Michael Black; and his great granddaughter Inara.  He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Ruth Smiley of Bellingham, Washington, numerous nieces, nephews and friends. 

A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, April 29, 2018, at 2:00 pm at the Vegreville Alliance Church, 4605-55 Ave, Vegreville, AB.  In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Canadian Foodgrains Bank or the Alberta Cancer Foundation.